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Travelogue: Mahabalipuram, the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a town on the southeastern coast of India in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is located 60 kilometres south of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and rock carvings. It is also a popular tourist destination for its beaches and scenic beauty.

A journey from Guindy, Chennai to Mahabalipuram

I started my journey to Mahabalipuram early in the morning from Guindy, Chennai. I took the East Coast Road (ECR), which is a scenic highway that runs along the Bay of Bengal. On the way, I stopped at Kovalam Beach to enjoy the beach views.

The ECR is a popular route for tourists and locals alike. It is well-maintained and offers beautiful views of the sea. The road is also lined with many restaurants and shops, where you can stop for a bite to eat or buy souvenirs.

Kovalam Beach is a beautiful beach located about 40 kilometres from Chennai. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is also home to many restaurants and cafes.

Near Kovalam beach


History and Legacy of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram was once a major port city of the Pallava kingdom. The Pallavas ruled over the region from the 4th to the 9th centuries AD. During their reign, they built many temples and rock carvings in Mahabalipuram.

The most famous temple in Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple. It is a 7th-century temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the seashore and offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.

Other important temples in Mahabalipuram include the Panch Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and the Varaha Cave Temple. The Panch Rathas are five monolithic temples that are carved out of a single rock. Arjuna's Penance is a large rock carving that depicts the story of Arjuna, a character from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Varaha Cave Temple is a 7th-century cave temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The rock carvings in Mahabalipuram are some of the most beautiful and intricate in the world. They depict scenes from Hindu mythology and epics. The carvings are also a valuable source of information about the history and culture of the Pallava kingdom.

Evolution of Mahabalipuram into a Major Tourist Destination

Mahabalipuram has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. However, it gained prominence in the 19th century when the British colonial government began to promote it as a tourist destination.

In the 20th century, Mahabalipuram was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This further boosted its popularity as a tourist destination.

Today, Mahabalipuram is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. It is visited by tourists from all over the world. Mahabalipuram is also a popular destination for domestic tourists.








How to Reach Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is well-connected to Chennai by road and rail.

From Chennai Airport

The Chennai International Airport is located about 50 kilometres from Mahabalipuram. You can take a taxi or cab from the airport to Mahabalipuram. The journey takes about one hour.

From Chennai Railway Station

The Chennai Central Railway Station is located about 60 kilometres from Mahabalipuram. You can take a train from Chennai Central to Chengalpattu. From Chengalpattu, you can take a bus or taxi to Mahabalipuram. The journey takes about two hours.

By Bus

There are regular buses from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. The buses depart from the T Nagar bus stand in Chennai. The journey takes about two hours.

By Taxi

You can also hire a taxi from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. The journey takes about one hour.

Things to Do in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a popular tourist destination for its temples, rock carvings, and beaches. 

Here are some of the things you can do in Mahabalipuram:

  • Visit the Shore Temple, the Panch Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and the Varaha Cave Temple.
  • Take a walk along the beach and enjoy the sunset.
  • Visit the Mahabalipuram Beach Museum to learn more about the history and culture of Mahabalipuram.
  • Go shopping for souvenirs at the many shops in Mahabalipuram.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine at the many restaurants in Mahabalipuram.

Tips for Visiting Mahabalipuram

  • The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is during the winter months (October to March). The weather is pleasant during this time
Slideshow of my trip

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